Hi, I previously posted about my " Timid Dog ". Well we were getting on fine and he was getting better day by day, but since New Years Eve with all the fireworks I seem to be back to square one with Rusty, he has lost all his confidence again. When I take him for a walk he will only go so far (don't even make it to the park) and then he drops down and won't go any further, I feel awful trying to pull him on the lead in case I hurt him, I've tried coaxing him, calming him and even tried taking him on a different route to the park, but its as if he knows that there are going to be children there. There are other places I could take him for a walk but it doesn't matter which way I go there are children playing. He is even reluctant to go outside to the toilet, I have to use a stern voice before he will go out, but even then he goes and hides under a bush in the garden. I just don't know what to do. I have given a dog trainer a ring, but they wanted £195 for as many visits he needs in 12 months, but I just can't afford it at the moment. I feel like crying because we were getting on really well, he had even stopped pulling on the lead.
I know its me who probably needs training too, because he can probably sense the tension in me. Sorry to go on but its really upsetting me.

Esme

Thanks for the reply. I think thats my trouble, I have been fussing him too much, its probably because I felt so sorry for him when I took him from the rescue he has probably taken advantage of that, do you think?

What do you think I should do when we are out for a walk and he just refuses to move, I have been returning home because thats the only way he will get up if I turn around and go back.

dh.dti has given very good advise and I agree totally. Patience is the key. I know it is very hard but keep at it and good luck.

I agree fully with this and would even go as far as to stand with your back to the dog (I know it's difficult) as there is little a dog hates more than to be ignored, they are a lot like toddlers, and this approach is like one of the more successful approaches to dealing with tantrums in toddlers.
Applied consistently and with appropriate praise when your dog then proceeds with you this should work.

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John
AnimalLoversWeb.com

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